Jail time reduced for SUV arsonist/activist

Jeffrey “Free” Luers had his prison sentence cut Thursday from 22 down to 10 years for torching three SUVs in Eugene, Ore. in 2000. Luers committed the act with Craig “Critter” Marshall. The action is explained on a website supporting Luers:

Their stated purpose was to raise awareness about global warming and the role that SUVs play in that process. No one was hurt in this action nor was that the intent. An arson specialist at trial confirmed that the action did not pose any threat to people based on its size and distance from any fuel source.

Luers — who was 23 when he burned the cars — appealed the long sentence in 2002, was given a hearing in 2005 and got a Court of Appeals ruling in 2007 that sent the case back for resentencing. With credit for time served, he could be out by December 2009.

Here’s what he said in court Thursday:

…I can now say with all honesty that I was wrong to think that arson would inspire social change. But, my failure in understanding that does not mean I have changed my opinion of radical activism…

I have also committed to living the life of a law-abiding citizen and promoting my activism through legal means and channels…

I still believe that government and corporate inaction is a legitimate reason for direct action. Yet, I recognize that militant struggle has failed to create widespread social change for many reasons. And I’m not sure if it is even capable of creating the change we desperately need…